Translation and Meaning of: 愛情 - aijyou

If you are studying Japanese, you may have come across the word 愛情 (あいじょう), a term that carries a strong emotional weight and appears in various everyday situations in Japan. But what exactly does it mean beyond the simple translation of "love" or "affection"? In this article, we will explore its etymology, usage in daily life, the pictogram, and even tips for memorizing this essential word. Additionally, you will discover how it is applied in real sentences and why it is so important in Japanese vocabulary. Here at Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will also find practical examples to include in your Anki and boost your studies.

Many people search on Google not only for the meaning of 愛情, but also its origin, how to write it correctly, and even subtle differences compared to other similar . If you've ever wondered why the Japanese use this word so much or how it appears in romantic and family contexts, keep reading—we'll uncover all of this next.

The origin and etymology of 愛情

The word 愛情 is formed by two kanjis: 愛 (ai), which means "love", and 情 (jou), which can be translated as "feeling" or "emotion". Together, they create a concept that goes beyond romantic love—representing a deep affection, often associated with care, dedication, and true affection. Interestingly, 情 also appears in words like 感情 (kanjou), which means "emotions", showing how this ideogram is linked to the world of feelings.

Unlike the term 恋 (koi), which carries a more ionate and intense connotation, 愛情 has a more serene and enduring tone. It’s the type of love that a mother feels for her child, or the affection that someone has for an old hobby. If you’ve ever watched a Japanese dorama, you’ve probably heard characters saying things like "愛情を持って接する" (to act with affection), showing how this word is rooted in the culture.

Lies in everyday life and cultural nuances

In Japan, 愛情 is not a word reserved only for grand declarations. It appears in surprising contexts, such as in cuisine—have you heard of the expression "愛情込めて作った料理" (food made with love)? This is not just a cliché: many Japanese believe that the affection put into the preparation of a meal truly influences its flavor. Try asking a sushi chef what distinguishes an ordinary dish from an exceptional one, and he will likely mention this idea.

Another interesting point is how 愛情 appears in non-romantic relationships. While in the West we tend to clearly separate "love" from "friendship," in Japan this word can be used to describe the bond between teachers and students, or even a person's connection to their work. I've seen cases of teachers referring to dedicated students with phrases like "彼には愛情を感じる" (I feel affection for him), something that would sound strange in many other cultures.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

One infallible way to fix 愛情 in memory is to associate it with concrete situations. For example: that the first kanji, 愛, appears in 愛してる (aishiteru), the famous declaration of love. The second, 情, is the same as in 人情 (ninjou), which means "human kindness"—that is, we are talking about a love that includes humanity and empathy. This breakdown helps to understand why the word has such a rich meaning.

And here’s a fun fact that not many people know: in some regional dialects of Japan, such as the one from Osaka, 愛情 can take on a more playful tone. I've heard friends from Kansai using the word in jokes like "このたこ焼きには愛情が足りない!" (these takoyakis don't have enough love!), complaining about food made without care. It's a perfect example of how even serious can gain lighter uses in everyday life.